Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Keywords

Content area reading; Picture books for children--Educational aspects;

Abstract

A child's academic success in the intermediate grades relies heavily on how well he or she can read and understand content area material (Abadiano & Turner, 2002; Allington, 2000; Harvey & Goudvis, 2000; Neufeld, 2005). This study examined the effect of using picture books as a pre-reading activity to enhance students' content area comprehension, vocabulary development, and interest level. Four students performing above grade level, one student performing at grade level, and three students performing below grade level participated in this study. Social studies curriculum was presented to the students via a textbook for two units. Picture books were added as a supplemental tool to the content area textbook for the third and final unit.

Students were assessed using end-of-unit tests, a survey, and a thought-bubble picture activity. The results indicated that students who typically perform below grade level performed better on their end-of-unit tests where picture books were utilized. In addition, student vocabulary knowledge and interest level increased when picture books were read aloud before reading the textbook.

Year of Submission

2007

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

First Advisor

Deborah L. Tidwell

Comments

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Date Original

2007

Object Description

1 PDF file (73 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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